Stage 5 • CHOLET > CHÂTEAUROUX • 232 km

In order to strengthen its central position within a zone of some 200,000 inhabitants, Cholet has grouped its public services with a thematic approach: the social services unit was launched in 1999 and the employment unit in 2001. The prestigious Espace Saint-Louis was inaugurated shortly thereafter, welcoming some 1,300 students for music, drama and ballet classes. A 850 seats theater will soon open as well. As for sports facilities, Cholet has invested in modern, state of-the-art infrastructures, such as the GlisséO center which combines 2 skating rinks and 8 recreational pools.

Cholet has also undertaken to breathe new life into its city center through the Arcades Rougé project. In 2009, a multiple theater complex is due to open as well as a three star hotel with a 350 seats auditorium, providing the town with a small-scale leisure and conference center.

www.ville-cholet.fr

Châteauroux derives its name from Chateau Raoul, a fortress which has towered over the Indre river for nearly ten centuries. The town combines the advantages of urban and rural living : public transport, job opportunities and facilities on the one hand, peaceful and green surroundings on the other (450 hectares of parks). Local economic activity was long dominated by the Balsan textile works (where the French army uniforms were made), the Seita tobacco factory (now converted into a services center) and aircraft manufacturing. Famous people born in Châteauroux include : playwright Jean Giraudoux, illustrator Bernard Naudin, sculptor Ernest

Nivet and actor Gérard Depardieu. The local football club, La Berrichonne, the third oldest in France, made it to the cup final in 2004. Noteworthy events held in Châteauroux include the Darc dance festival and the Fenioux Trophy pro cycling race.

www.ville-chateauroux.fr